Johannesburg, South Africa

The ultimate guide to fine dining in Johannesburg

Southern Africa • Eat & drink • The ultimate guide to fine dining in Johannesburg

Johannesburg’s best fine dining restaurants

Looking to experience the fine dining scene in Johannesburg? Johannesburg’s fine dining scene is as bold and electric as the city itself, offering plenty of top-rated restaurants for those seeking exquisite food, creative presentations and memorable settings. In this guide, we’re taking you inside Johannesburg’s most talked-about restaurants, where inspired menus, inventive plating and unforgettable wines are only part of the experience. If you’re ready for a dining journey where every course offers a new discovery of flavours, then Johannesburg’s top fine dining establishments are waiting to impress.

Marble Restaurant

At Marble Restaurant every detail – from its signature wood-fired grill to its gallery-like atmosphere – celebrates South African culture with an elevated twist. Marble Restaurant’s focal point is its open-flame grill, imported from Michigan, where Chef David Higgs crafts dishes that are anything but ordinary. The springbok carpaccio is a standout choice as a starter. If you’re a seafood lover, don’t miss the grilled langoustines, served with a fresh herb butter that highlights the delicate, natural flavours. Set on the Keyes Art Mile, the restaurant’s interior is contemporary and stylish, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the cityscape, offering one of the best sunset views in Joburg. The custom decor features works by South African artists, including ceramics by Peter Mthombeni and photography by Krisjan Rossouw.

Marble Restaurant
Trumpet on Keyes
Corner 19 Keyes and Jellicoe Ave
Rosebank
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Marble Restaurant

Level Four Restaurant

Located in the 54 on Bath Hotel in Rosebank, Level Four Restaurant offers a refined, sophisticated atmosphere and an extensive tasting menu. The attention to detail here is unmatched, the restaurant is an excellent choice if you appreciate a classic fine dining ambience paired with contemporary dishes. We love the beautifully plated duck breast with parsnip purée and seared scallops. The afternoon tea here is also an experience that’s not to be missed, with the elegant setting, artisanal pastries and a variety of unique tea choices it’s a great fine dining afternoon option.

Level Four Restaurant
54 on Bath Hotel
54 Bath Ave
Rosebank
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Level Four Restaurant

Basalt Restaurant

Located in the boutique Peech Hotel in Melrose, Basalt Restaurant’s intimate setting is matched by a creative, ever-evolving menu. Basalt Restaurant has received many accolades from renowned institutions like the Luxe Restaurant Awards, underscoring its position as a premier fine dining destination in South Africa. The menu, crafted by Chef Freddie Dias, combines local ingredients with international techniques, resulting in dishes that are unique and packed with intriguing flavours. We’re particularly fond of their pork belly with apple compote – savoury, sweet and everything in between. The decor is understated yet chic, with dark tones and modern touches that complements the warm ambiance.

Basalt Restaurant
The Peech Hotel
61 North St
Melrose
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Basalt Restaurant

Signature Restaurant

Signature Restaurant pulls out all the stops, creating an upscale, lively atmosphere perfect for social dining. Founded by Desmond Mabuza, a pioneering restaurateur, Signature Restaurant has been celebrated since its opening in 2009 for its sophisticated ambiance, floor-to-ceiling windows offering sunset views and even a grand piano adding to the atmosphere. Signature’s menu offers an expansive range of options, with standout dishes like their lobster thermidor and signature sushi platters. They also host exclusive wine pairing events, bringing in rare vintages that complement its finely crafted dishes, featuring creamy wild mushroom risotto and decadent duck liver mousse.

Signature Restaurant
Rivonia Rd
Sandton
Johannesburg
South Africa

Photography courtesy of Signature Restaurant

Qunu Restaurant

Qunu Restaurant, situated in the iconic Saxon Hotel, blends South African heritage with global influences in a refined setting. Named after Nelson Mandela’s birthplace, this restaurant aims to deliver a dining experience that’s as memorable as its namesake. The interior’s neutral colour palette, with earth tones and elegant, sleek furniture paired with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer views of the surrounding gardens, brings in natural light and provides a beautiful backdrop that enhances the dining experience. The restaurant’s signature dishes include the line-caught fish and grass-fed beef fillet. But we loved the fact that this restaurant also focuses on plant-based dining, with their vegan tasting menu offering dishes like charred cauliflower with black garlic and smoked aubergine.